Letter to the editor: Preventing everyday shootings important, too

The problem with our political leaders on both sides of the aisle, and the NRA and all of those who focus their argument for or against gun control on the latest mass shooting, is that it takes away from the real reason that common sense restrictions are needed - namely, the fact that thousands of men, women and children are killed every year by firearms.

New gun control legislation is not going to prevent another Sandy Hook or Columbine or Colorado theater shooting. A determined sociopath will find a way to kill.

But gun control legislation might prevent the guy who beats his wife from taking it to the extreme. It might prevent straw purchases that allow a gun to end up in the hands of the convenience store robber. It might prevent the depressed high schooler from succeeding in his attempt to kill himself.

Preventing the painfully common, everyday gun casualty should be the focus of any new gun control legislation.

- David DeForest Colvig, Des Moines

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Letter to the editor: Preventing everyday shootings important, too

The problem with our political leaders on both sides of the aisle, and the NRA and all of those who focus their argument for or against gun control on the latest mass shooting, is that it takes away